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Geologist

John Landgard

Tell us about your work---what do you do? Basically we do environmental engineering , geological investigation , and general contracting What skills are needed? Educationally, an advanced degree in geology or an advanced degree in engineering is essential. What was your major? Geology How did you get started in your career? I had a good friend who was a geologist , and he encouraged me to take some courses. I have a desire to work outdoors and I am familiar with geology. What experience do you need in this job? Once you have your degree, basically it is important to work for an engineering company to allow you the opportunity to gain experience in the geological collection of data, interpreting that data, and presenting meaningful recommendations on how to fix a particular geological problem. Describe your "typical" workday: I'll spend 50 percent of the time in the office and 50 percent out in the filed. In the office, I am usually processing the data that I collected in the filed. I also construct maps, tables, and diagrams to help solve the objective of any particular study. What is the hardest aspect of your job? When it's pouring rain like today, I'd rather work in the office. This is not a bank job, sometimes there are long days, sometimes there are short days. You have to work in all kinds of weather to get the job done. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? By far the greatest satisfaction comes from solving a problem that initially seemed impossible, but you figured out a way to solve it. What are your suggestions for someone considering this field? Get in touch with someone who works in the field. Get part time work even without degree. We hire a lot of technicians who are going to school and it gives them great first hand experience and helps them get started in their career.